2023 NBA Draft order: Analysis and grades for each pick

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May 16, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; A overall shot of the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place West. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 NBA Draft order was finalized following the draft lottery. Now that the annual event is here, we provide you with analysis and grades for each pick.

Related: Full 2023 NBA mock draft

2023 NBA Draft order: Analysis for lottery picks

1. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, forward, France

This was the most obvious No. 1 pick in the modern history of the NBA Draft. Wembanyama is going to be a franchise cornerstone and a potential Day 1 All-Star. His combination of size, athleticism and skill makes the French product a legitimate franchise cornerstone. This was a no-brainer for San Antonio.

2. Charlotte Hornets: Brandon Miller, forward, Alabama

It was trending in the direction of Charlotte selecting Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson for some time now. The fit makes sense as the Hornets need frontcourt help to pair with star point guard LaMelo Ball. This is a decision that will be talked about for some time with Miller and Henderson compared to one another. However, Miller is a potentially elite wing with range and an ability to score off the dribble.

3. Portland Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson, guard, G-League Ignite

Absolute steal. That’s the best way to describe Scoot Henderson heading to the Blazers at three. While there was a lot of talk about trading this pick. While that might still happen, it seems as if Henderson will now team up with Damian Lillard in Portland’s backcourt. His athletic profile is off the charts with comparison to a prime Russell Westbrook.

4. Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson, forward, Overtime Elite

Amen Thompson at four had seem to be a lock for some time now. The twin brother of Ausar Thompson, he profiles as an athletic wing at the next level. Thompson played two seasons for Overtime Elite in Atlanta after deciding to skip his final year of high school. Sure, there’s issues with outside shooting. But his athleticism and upside are off the charts.

5. Detroit Pistons: Ausar Thompson, forward, Overtime Elite

The Thompson twins have made history as the first pair to be selected in the top-10 of the NBA Draft. Like his brother, Thompson projects as an athletic wing with a ton of upside. The need was also there for Detroit with a backcourt heavy core including Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.

6. Orlando Magic: Anthony Black, guard, Arkansas

Things also seemed to be leaning in the direction of Orlando going guard at six. It did just that with a former top recruit in that of Anthony Black. The 6-foot-7 point guard has elite size and can run an offense with the best of them. Sure, shooting is an issue. But that could solve itself. The young Magic add another core piece to go with 2022-2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero.

7. Washington Wizards (from Indiana Pacers): Bilal Coulibaly, forward, France

Victor Wembanyama’s teammate in France, Coulibaly had been rising draft boards big time in recent days. The raw offensive player has elite athleticism and fits in with a long-term rebuild after the Wizards traded Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis. Washington sent two second-round picks to Indiana by moving up one spot.

8. Indiana Pacers (from Washington Wizards): Jarace Walker, forward, Houston

Indiana has a solid core in that of Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. They now add an athletic 6-foot-8 forward in Walker who boasts some major hops. He also has a pretty solid mid-range and perimeter game for his size. Picking up two second-round picks by moving down one spot helps.

9. Utah Jazz: Taylor Hendricks, forward, Central Florida

Utah gets another core piece as front office head Danny Ainge continues a rebuild. The 6-foot-9 Hendricks showed flashes of brilliance shooting during his one season at Central Florida. That included shooting 39% from three-point range while averaging 15.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Dallas Mavericks): Cason Wallace, guard, Kentucky

Oklahoma City took on Davis Bertans contract to move up two spots with the Dallas Mavericks. The idea was to guarantee itself Cason Wallace to team up with All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This is a great move for the Thunder. A top-eight recruit of Kentucky in 2022, Wallace has the upside that the young Thunder covet. He shot 35% from three-point range a season ago.

11. Orlando Magic (from Chicago Bulls): Jett Howard guard, Michigan

Acquired from Chicago in the Nikola Vučević trade from back in 2021, Orlando adds yet another guard in Howard. He was tremendous in his only season playing under his father Juwan Howard at Michigan. Howard shot 37% from three-point range last season and has unlimited range. This also likely means that Jalen Suggs will be traded.

12. Dallas Mavericks (from Oklahoma City Thunder): Dereck Lively, center, Duke

Boy, this was a huge pick for Dallas. The No. 2 recruit in the class of 2022, Lively didn’t necessarily live up to expectations in his only season with Dallas. Despite that, he has an elite frame and great skill set. Initially, the pick-and-roll game in Big D is going to be big time. Lively is also a great rim protector and rim runner.

13. Toronto Raptors: Gradey Dick, wing, Kansas

The 6-foot-8 Dick boasts unlimited range (40% from three-point range). He also posted a 54.7 effective field goal percentage. With a quick release and an ability to score off the dribble, Dick can be a pure scorer at the next level. However, Dick does struggle with on-ball defense. His profiles similar to former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro.

14. New Orleans Pelicans: Jordan Hawkins, guard, Connecticut

New Orleans adds a two-guard in Hawkins who is as pro ready as any player in the draft. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 16.3 points on 38% from three-point range for the defending champion Huskies.

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2023 NBA Draft order (rest of 1st round): Grades

15. Atlanta Hawks: Kobe Bufkin, guard, Michigan

Bufkin is the second Michigan product to go in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. The guard averaged 14.0 points and 4.5 rebounds as a sophomore for the Wolverines. His mid-range game should work well with Trae Young. Boasting good on-ball defensive capabilities, this was also a need. Though. it could be viewed a bit as a reach.

16. Utah Jazz (from Minnesota Timberwolves): Keyonte George, guard, Baylor

A top-seven recruit out of Florida, George played well as a freshman for the Bears. He averaged 15.3 point and 4.2 rebounds. Though, shooting was an issue (38% FG, 34% from three point). What we do know is that Utah is attempting to create a well-rounded roster as the team continues its rebuild. It has now taken a two-guard and wing with two selections.

17. Los Angeles Lakers: Jalen Hood-Schifino, guard, Indiana

The 6-foot-6 Hood-Schifino had himself a tremendous freshman season at Indiana, averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. While his outside shooting was not great, the guard has a solid mid-range game and is already a pro-ready on-ball defender.

18. Miami Heat: Jaime Jaquez Jr., wing, UCLA

This was somewhat of a surprise pick with Cam Whitmore and Kris Murray both on the clock. However, he fits the Heat culture to a T. That includes great on-ball defense and an ability to be an isolation scorer. Last season with the Bruins saw him average 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds.

19. Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski, guard, Santa Clara

After transferring from Illinois, the 6-foot-5 Podziemski dominated for Santa Clara last season. He hot an absurd 44% from three-point range last season while averaging 19.9 points and 8.8 rebounds. He’s great as a catch-and-shoot option, is tremendous off the dribble and profiles as a high-energy guy.

20. Houston Rockets (from Los Angeles Clippers): Cam Whitmore, wing, Villanova

Sportsnaut’s fifth-ranked player heading into the NBA Draft, Whitmore sees his fall end at 20 to the Rockets. We’re not 100% sure what led to the slide outside of reports that he did not have great pre-draft interviews. Either way, the Rockets’ ability to get a top-five talent at 20 makes them a major winner.

21. Brooklyn Nets (from Phoenix Suns): Noah Clowney, forward, Alabama

Brooklyn gets major upside with the first of its two first-round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-10 Clowney is surprisingly a solid perimeter shooter. He also boasts a 7-foot-1 wingspan and can be dynamic in the low post. This is one of the picks the Nets acquired from the Phoenix Suns in the Kevin Durant trade.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Dariq Whitehead, wing, Duke

The No. 1 overall recruit back in 2022, the 6-foot-7 Whitehead is coming off two foot surgeries. He would have been a top-10 pick if not for these injuries. He shot 43% from three-point range a season ago, averaging 8.3 points and 2.4 rebounds. High upside pick for Brooklyn.

Grade: A

23. Portland Trail Blazers (from New York Knicks): Kris Murray, wing, Iowa

After picking up Scoot Henderson at three, the Blazers now find some frontcourt help in Keegan Murray’s twin brother. The 6-foot-8 wing averaged 20.2 points and 7.9 rebounds for Iowa last season. He’s an immediate impact and two-way player. Murray isn’t exactly that athletic. But he can be a three-and-D player in the NBA.

24. Dallas Mavericks (from Sacramento Kings): Olivier-Maxence Prosper, wing, Marquette

After picking up a big in Lively earlier in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Mavericks acquired this selection from Sacramento. Prosper was fast rising leading up to the annual event after showing expanded range in the pre-draft process. He projects as a three-and-D wing at the next level.

25. Detroit Pistons (from Boston Celtics): Marcus Sasser, guard, Houston

Sasser’s small 6-foot-1 frame was the only reason he lasted to the end of the first round. The consensus All-American from last season averaged 16.1 points on 38% shooting from distance. He can shoot off the dribble and is a solid on-ball defender. Great move from the Pistons here.

26. Indiana Pacers (from Cleveland Cavaliers): Ben Sheppard, guard, Belmont

This 6-foot-6 wing was a major talking point during the pre-draft process. He averaged 18.8 points on 42% shooting from distance for Belmont last season. Sheppard will add more shooting in Indiana after the team picked up Jarace Walker earlier in the draft.

27. Charlotte Hornets (from Denver Nuggets): Nick Smith Jr, guard, Arkansas

Smith’s fall ended at 27 with the Hornets. A top-three recruit in 2022, he struggled in his only season with Arkansas (38% shooting). But the athleticism and upside certainly is there.

28. Utah Jazz (from Philadelphia 76ers): Brice Sensabaugh, wing, Ohio State

Like Smith, Sensabaugh lasted much longer than expected. An all-freshman performer in the Big 10 last season, he averaged 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds. He’s one of the best pure shooters in the 2023 NBA Draft.

29. Denver Nuggets (from Indiana Pacers): Julian Strawther, wing, Gonzaga

A three-year contributor at Gonzaga, Strawther was absolutely brilliant for the Bulldogs last season. The wing shot 41% from the field while averaging 15.2 points and 6.2 rebounds. The defending champion Nuggets do it again after trading into the first round.

30. Los Angeles Clippers (from Milwaukee Bucks): Kobe Brown, forward, Missouri

Los Angeles opted to go with experience in Brown with the final pick in the first round after failing to move this selection as part of a deal for Malcolm Brogdon. Brown, 23, averaged 15.8 points and 6.4 rebounds on 46% shooting from distance last season.

Also Read:
2023 NBA Draft Lottery: Biggest winners and losers, including Victor Wembanyama and the Pistons

NBA Draft order (2nd round)

31. Charlotte Hornets (from Boston Celtics): James Nnaji, center, Nigeria

32. Denver Nuggets (from Indiana Pacers): Jalen Pickett, guard, Penn State

33. Minnesota Timberwolves (from San Antonio Spurs): Leonard Miller, guard, G-League Ignite

34. Sacramento Kings (from Boston Celtics): Colby Jones, guard, Xavier

35. Chicago Bulls (from Washington Wizards): Julian Phillips, forward, Tennessee

36. Milwaukee Bucks (from Orlando Magic): Andre Jackson Jr., wing, UConn

37. Denver Nuggets (from Oklahoma City Thunder): Hunter Tyson, forward Clemson

38. Boston Celtics (from Sacramento Kings): Jordan Walsh, forward, Arkansas

39. Boston Celtics (from Charlotte Hornets): Mouhamed Gueye, center, Washington State

40. Los Angeles Lakers (from Indiana Pacers): Maxwell Lewis, wing, Pepperdine

41. Charlotte Hornets (from Oklahoma City Thunder): Amari Bailey, guard, UCLA

42. Washington Wizards (from Chicago Bulls): Tristan Vukcevic, forward, Serbia

43. Portland Trail Blazers (from Atlanta Hawks): Rayan Rupert, guard, New Zealand

44. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors): Sidy Cissoko, wing, G-League Ignite

45. Memphis Grizzlies (from Minnesota Timberwolves): GG Jackson, wing, South Carolina

46. Atlanta Hawks (from New Orleans Pelicans): Seth Lundy, guard, Penn State

47. Indiana Pacers (from Los Angeles Lakers): Mojave King, guard, G-League Ignite

48. Los Angeles Clippers: Jordan Miller, forward, Miami (F)

49. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Golden State Warriors): Emoni Bates, wing, Eastern Michigan

50. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami Heat): Keyontae Johnson, wing, Kansas State

51. Brooklyn Nets: Jalen Wilson, forward, Kansas

52. Washington Wizards (from Phoenix Suns): Toumani Camara, forward, Dayton

53. Minnesota Timberwolves (from New York Knicks): Jaylen Clark, guard, UCLA

54. Sacramento Kings: Jalen Slawson, forward, Furman

55. Indiana Pacers (from Cleveland Cavaliers): Isaiah Wong, guard, Miami (F)

56. Memphis Grizzlies: Tarık Biberovic, forward, Turkey

57. Golden State Warriors (from Washington Wizards): Trayce Jackson-Davis, forward, Indiana

58. Milwaukee Bucks: Chris Livingston, wing, Kentucky

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2023 NBA Draft order (team-by-team picks)

Which teams has the most picks in the 2023 NBA Draft

The Charlotte Hornets have the most picks boasting five of them.

Which teams have the fewest picks in the 2023 NBA Draft?

Neither the Chicago Bulls nor the Philadelphia 76ers have a selection in the annual event. Both traded away their first-rounders while losing second-rounders due to tampering.

NBA Draft and lottery picks

The NBA Draft is a team-building method for some. Others use it to find proven talent. Both avenues can work. But those picking in the lottery each season are the teams that struggle to maintain a competitive team.

Let’s look at the 2022 NBA Draft order and who picked in the lottery. This helps fans figure out which teams have picked in the lottery recently, pointing out how much they have struggled to be relevant in the NBA Playoff race. We will also link the draft orders for the three previous events to give you a better idea.

Also Read:
3 reasons why Victor Wembanyama will be San Antonio Spurs franchise cornerstone

2022 NBA Draft order (lottery picks)

  1. Orlando Magic
  2. Oklahoma City Thunder
  3. Houston Rockets
  4. Sacramento Kings
  5. Detroit Pistons
  6. Indiana Pacers
  7. Portland Trail Blazers
  8. New Orleans Pelicans (from Lakers)
  9. San Antonio Spurs
  10. Washington Wizards
  11. New York Knicks
  12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Clippers)
  13. Charlotte Hornets
  14. Cleveland Cavaliers
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